2021 3GML Season - Super Bowl LVI

 San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans

LOS ANGELES - In what will go down as a classic, the Houston Texans defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-16 in Super Bowl LVI.  With the win, Houston brings the Lombardi Trophy home for the first time in franchise history.

In the game, San Francisco went up 6-0 early on a pair of Jose Borregales field goals.  The 49er defense seemed to be giving the Houston offense fits but Gardner Minshew was able to find 3GML MVP Mike Gesicki for a 5 yard touchdown making it 7-6 Texans.

Justin Fields and the 49er offense responded before half with a nice drive capping things off with another Borregales field goal making it 9-7 San Francisco at the half.  

In the second half the San Francisco defense once again locked in and made it tough for the Texans to move the ball.  However, Justin Fields did the 49ers no favors with a pair of interceptions in the quarter keeping the game close.  That was all Gardner Minshew needed as he found DeSean Jackson on a 60 yard touchdown pass when there was a miscommunication in the San Francisco secondary.  The touchdown put Houston up 14-9.

The 49ers weren't done though, and answered right back with a James Washington touchdown to retake the lead 16-14 heading to the 4th quarter.  The Texans then nailed a 51 yard field goal courtesy of Rodrigo Blankenship for the final lead change of the game.  Trailing 17-16, San Francisco looked poised to once again turn the tides, driving all the way to the Houston 14 yard line.  But once again, Fields turned the ball over on an interception to Cam Sutton.  The turnover turned costly as Minshew found Jackson a second time for a deep touchdown making it 24-16.  The 49ers had one last opportunity but failed to convert on a 4th and goal, sealing the win for Houston.

"Super Bowl champs baby!" Minshew said after the game. "I'm going to cherish this one man.  Might even shave the mustache. Who knows?  I'm feeling crazy."

The Super Bowl MVP went to DeSean Jackson after a 143 yard, two touchdown performance.

"Feels good to be picked by Houston and be rewarded with the Lombardi." Jackson said, referencing the mid-season trade from the Rams that brought him over.

For San Francisco, the loss stings.  No one had them in this game when the season started with their roster turnover and experience level.  Their season is a testament to the roster construction by GM CD and an excellent job coaching by Kyle Shanahan.  This future is bright for this young roster and its quarterback Justin Fields.

For Houston and GM TH, the win is sweet.  It ends up as his second after collecting a ring with the New York Jets.

"Incredible season.  Wonderful coaching job by Coach Shaw, Coach Hamilton, and Coach Glenn," TH said. "To beat an incredible 49ers organization is an achievement unto itself.  But to win a world championship in just our second season is something no one can ever take away from us."

That puts a bow on the 7th 3GML season.  Each franchise will now turn their attention to building the best roster for what will be a very competitive 2022 season.

2021 3GML Season - NFC and AFC Championships

 NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys

DALLAS - The San Francisco 49ers shocked the NFL world and upset the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys 30-13.  Dallas who entered the game 17-1 was widely expected to blow past this San Francisco team on the way to the Super Bowl.  The 49ers had other plans and outside of an early fumble returned for a touchdown by Dallas, dominated from start to finish.

Alvin Kamara seemed to have an extra burst in the tank whenever it was needed today and rushed 28 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns.  The run-heavy game plan proved effective in keeping the Dallas offense off the field and out of sorts.

"We knew how dynamic this offense is.  We wanted to minimize the time they touched the football." Coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game.

The connection between quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was strong in this one.  Fields found the Oklahoma product 4 times for a total of 104 yards and a touchdown.

"Nice to come in here and be a focal point of our offense," Lamb said. "I wanted to show Dallas what happens when you make me part of the game plan."

The win for San Francisco gives GM CD his first Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers.  He previously has a title from his time in New England.

Standing in his way of title number two is fellow 3GML member Houston.  The teams played in week 17 with the 49ers prevailing 41-27.

AFC Championship - Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans continued their dominant run through the playoffs with a 34-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens.  Houston, the three seed, was able to play all of its playoff games at home with both the one seed Kansas City Chiefs and two seed Cleveland Browns losing early on in the tournament.  The home fans seemed to give Houston a boost when they needed it most and now will see their team compete in its first ever Super Bowl.

The Texans used a total team effort with contributions from both of their quarterbacks and their entire receiving core on offense.  Andy Dalton threw for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Gardner Minshew had 149 yards and a touchdown.  Both players spread the ball in a balanced attack with four players totaling over 50 yards receiving (Mims - 82, Jackson- 72, Cook - 69, Gesicki - 57).

Defensively, Logan Ryan stood out for his stellar play including a scoop and score of 57 yards to set the tone early.

"We're going to the Super Bowl baby!" Ryan said.

The Super Bowl appearance is the second for GM TH and his first with the Houston Texans.  He previously won a title with the New York Jets in 2017.

The first ever all 3GML Super Bowl is now set with Houston taking on the San Francisco 49ers in two weeks.